5 steps to increase exercise among disabled patients

Sedentary adults of working age who have disabilities are 50% more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer than active individuals with disabilities, and three times more likely than adults without disabilities, the CDC stated in a recent report.

“Physical activity is the closest thing we have to a wonder drug,” CDC Director Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH, said in a press release. “Unfortunately, many adults with disabilities don’t get regular physical activity. That can change if doctors and other health care providers take a more active role helping their patients with disabilities develop a physical fitness plan that’s right for them.”

Thomas Frieden

According to the report, which used 2009-2012 National Health Interview Survey data, almost half of adults with disabilities did not participate in aerobic activity, and sedentary people with disabilities were 50% more likely to report at least one chronic disease.

The good news is that adults with disabilities were 82% more likely to increase their activity levels if their doctor encouraged them to get more physical activity.

The CDC has developed a guide for physicians to better engage their patients with disabilities in exercise with five steps:

1. Remember that physical activity guidelines are for everyone

When interacting with disabled patients, it is important to remember that the recommendation for adults to get 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity per week is for all adults, including those with disabilities. Your patient with a physical barrier needs to incorporate the same amount of activity to lower their CVD risk.

2. Ask about physical activity

Don’t assume that a patient with a disability is inactive. Ask them how much exercise they get and what types, what activities they enjoy and which of those activities includes aerobic exercise. Ask them how they feel about incorporating more time into their routine to lower CVD risk factors.

3. Discuss barriers to physical activity

Every patient is unique and will have special challenges and abilities. Talk to them about the factors that hold them back from activity, and work together to find ways to navigate those barriers.

4. Recommend physical activity options

Your patient may have ideas about what kinds of exercise would be helpful to them, but if not, suggest appropriate activities. Those done in water are often a great choice for patients with limited mobility as the impact to muscles and joints is much lower.

5. Refer patients to resources and programs

What services to the disabled are offered in your area? Look both within and outside of government services to find local activity centers, gyms and physical therapy establishments that offer services appropriate for patients with disabilities. Have that information ready to share with your patient when you initiate the conversation.